Amy Khor says that the rule to require cabbies search their vehicles for missing items is not meant to be punitive

Taxi Drivers Get a Break: New Clarifications on Passenger Item Policies

Taxi drivers in Singapore can breathe a sigh of relief! Recently, Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Transport, addressed concerns surrounding the long-standing rule that requires taxi drivers to check for any items left behind by passengers after each trip. This policy was never meant to penalize drivers but was designed to protect their interests and help prevent passengers from leaving belongings in vehicles.

Clarifying the Rule

During a parliamentary session, Khor responded to questions raised by MP Don Wee from Chua Chu Kang about the practicality of this rule. She assured that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has not prosecuted any drivers for non-compliance. Instead, drivers have only received warnings, with no penalties imposed.

Yeo Wan Ling, another MP, also raised questions about the appeal process for drivers who have received warning letters. Khor confirmed that the LTA’s approach has been more about guidance than punishment.

Concerns from the Taxi Community

Taxi driver Ong Boon expressed his worries about job security, sharing his concerns in a viral Facebook post. He pointed out that if a passenger reports a lost item, the taxi company could potentially be held responsible. Ong requested that the LTA revoke a warning letter he received through MP Tin Pei Ling, but the LTA rejected this request, citing that he did not search for any belongings left behind, which is considered an offense under the Road Traffic Rules.

In a conversation with Shin Min Daily News, a 59-year-old taxi driver echoed Ong’s worries, fearing the possibility of receiving another warning letter. Many drivers commented on Ong’s post, expressing their feelings of being unfairly treated.

Moving Forward: A Focus on Best Practices

Yeo Cheong Leng, an adviser to both the National Taxi Association (NTA) and the National Private Hire Vehicles Association, emphasized that while checking for items is a good practice, it should not come with penalties. A simple visual scan should suffice.

Khor acknowledged the operational challenges drivers face, especially when dealing with multiple passengers getting in and out of the vehicle. She reassured that drivers are not required to exit their cars to conduct these checks. The LTA is now taking this opportunity to review best practices for both taxi and private-hire drivers, considering the feedback from the community.

What This Means for Taxi Drivers

This recent clarification is indeed good news for taxi drivers. They will no longer be held liable if a passenger forgets something in the taxi. This allows them to concentrate on providing safe and comfortable rides without the added stress of worrying about lost items.

For more details, you can read the full article from Shin Min Daily News.

With these changes, taxi drivers can feel more secure in their roles, knowing that the focus is on ensuring a positive experience for passengers rather than worrying about potential penalties.